Accident insurance claim...dragging on and getting too complex, do we have any say?

[Sickofthis2839]

Family member started an accident personal injury claim 5 years ago. It has taken a very long time with nothing much being done. Its now about to go into the court process. Spoke to barrister yesterday and all sounds very complex and will go on for a long time yet.
Are you able to say that you dont want to pursue the claim at this level and just negotiate a lower settlement? Or are the solicitors more in charge and they decide what process to use?
This has been hanging over the family for a long time and causing a lot of stress. Like a roller coaster you can't get off. Ready to just give up with it but I presume costs would be owed for work done so far?

I think the person to ask would be your instructing solicitor.

Your family member can discontinue the claim at any time. However, unless there is a settlement on offer, they should not do so. If the other side has not yet offered a settlement, it is unlikely they will offer anything if the claim is stopped. You haven't said how your family member is funding this, but they may well have to pay for any legal work done to date if they discontinue the claim. Their solicitor will be able to advise.

Solicitor commenting ... ultimately it is your family member's claim and they should feel that they have a say - and that they understand what is going on. It is always open to a claimant to make an offer to settle the case - even if a low one to try and conclude things and we do have clients that decide to do that .. but they need to understand the tactical implications of that. In most cases dropping an ongoing case that has merit is likely to have costs consequences.